When theater meets intimacy, something magical happens. And that’s exactly what Slanted Floors is all about. This summer, Billy McEntee’s site-specific play is making a comeback in a Greenpoint, Brooklyn apartment, and I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with curiosity. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way it blurs the lines between performance and everyday life. An audience of just six people? A dinner shared between two partners? It’s theater stripped down to its essence, and that’s what makes it so compelling.
The Allure of Intimacy
Personally, I think the genius of Slanted Floors lies in its intimacy. Kyle Beltran and Adam Chanler-Berat reprising their roles as Teddy and Kaplan isn’t just a casting choice—it’s a statement. These characters, navigating the surreal and the mundane, invite us into their queer domesticity. What many people don’t realize is how rare it is to see queer relationships portrayed with such unapologetic normalcy. It’s not about grand gestures or dramatic conflicts; it’s about the quiet moments, the shared meals, the dreams whispered over dinner. This raises a deeper question: Why don’t we see more of this in theater?
The Role of Space
One thing that immediately stands out is the setting. A Brooklyn apartment isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. Site-specific theater challenges the traditional stage, forcing the audience to engage differently. From my perspective, this is where Slanted Floors shines. The slanted floors (yes, the title isn’t just a metaphor) add a literal tilt to the experience, mirroring Kaplan’s struggle to separate reality from the media he consumes. It’s a detail that I find especially interesting—how physical space can reflect mental chaos.
The Surreal in the Everyday
What this really suggests is that theater doesn’t need spectacle to be powerful. The surreal events in Kaplan’s day aren’t explosions or grand revelations; they’re the small, unsettling moments that make us question our own realities. If you take a step back and think about it, isn’t that what life is? A series of mundane moments punctuated by the occasional absurdity? Ryan Dobrin’s direction, paired with the production team’s attention to detail (shoutout to chef Jess Tsang for making the meal a part of the experience), elevates this to something extraordinary.
Why This Matters Now
In a world where theater often feels inaccessible—either financially or emotionally—Slanted Floors is a breath of fresh air. Patrick Catullo and Clint Ramos are right: its initial run didn’t reach enough people. But what this revival does is democratize the experience, even if it’s still limited to six audience members per show. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it challenges the notion of exclusivity in art. Is it elitist? Or is it an intimate gift to those lucky enough to witness it? Personally, I lean toward the latter.
Looking Ahead
As we anticipate its return from May 26 to June 26, I can’t help but speculate about its impact. Will it inspire more site-specific works? Will it push theatergoers to seek out experiences that feel less like performances and more like shared moments? One thing’s for sure: Slanted Floors isn’t just a play—it’s a conversation starter. And in a world where those conversations are more important than ever, that’s exactly what we need.
So, if you’re in New York this summer, do yourself a favor: reserve a spot. Because this isn’t just theater—it’s an experience that reminds us of the beauty in the unremarkable. And honestly? That’s the kind of art we should all be chasing.
